Motorcycle road racing resumed on Tuesday, after the weather gave an early end to Monday’s events, and accordingly riders geared up their more street-going machines for the Superstock TT race.

A perfect day for racing, things got off to a rocky start, as a accident on the course (before the roads were closed to traffic) caused a delay to the Superstock start.

That news would be a bad omen, as the fatal crash of Karl Harris during the race halted the rest of the day’s events, leaving the Superstock TT as the sole spectacle for Tuesday.

It’s hard to call a TT race boring, as triple-digit average speeds over city roads is anything but a snoozer; however, we will just say that the Superstock TT didn’t provide the same level of nail-biting as Race 1 of the Supersport TT.

Taking control right out of the gate, Michael Dunlop lead the Superstock TT from start to finish. Having nothing but praise for his BMW S1000RR, Dunlop has now provided two race wins for the Bavarian motorbike maker.

Dunlop would be chased by Dean Harrison and Bruce Anstey, both of whom also maintained their positions comfortably throughout the race.

The only real competition was for the fourth position, which ultimately went to David Johnson. In the running for that spot though were Conor Cummins (18th after receiving a two-minute penalty for an illegal suspension component), Lee Johnston (5th), and Michael Rutter (6th).

Noticeably absent from the finish line was Guy Martin (who retired on Lap 3 before Ramsey), William Dunlop (who retired on Lap 3 at the Grandstand), and Gary Johnson (who crashed at the Ramsey Hairpin on Lap 1).

Johnson was airlifted to Noble’s Hospital, and was reported to be conscious and suffering from likely fractures. More information on his condition as we get it.

Less fortunate was 34-year-old Karl Harris, the three-time British Supersport Champion, who was fatally injured during his crash at Joey’s on the second lap of the Superstock race. Known best for his racing in BSB, Harris was also a popular rider in the TT paddock.

“Karl was one of the great characters in the race paddock,” said Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson. “His infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour lit up many race meetings. He was a hugely talented racer and will be sorely missed.” Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Gary Johnson has a fractured vertebra, broken collar bone, and broken fingers. He sent out a picture of himself on a stretcher with a neck brace, surprisingly with a smile from ear to ear at the hospital. I hope he has a speedy recovery.